Pilgrim girls’ cross country head coach Mike Daniels and girls’ track head coach Tom Dolce both agreed that Danika Wayss’ determination was second to none.

It showed at the state meet. Wayss jumped 35 spots from 43rd at last year’s competition to eighth this year, earning her girls’ cross country athlete of the year honors. 

“A lot of hard work and dedication and a lot of miles on the road,” Daniels said about what went into Wayss soaring up the standings. “Her drive is by far the best. She puts so much effort into everything she does. This year she wanted to make the best of her senior year, open colleges’ eyes a little bit.”

As is typical with the best athletes, Wayss was integral in getting the rest of the squad in shape over the summer. In order to be ready for meets early in the year, the team had to suffer running during the dog days. Wayss helped encourage her teammates, and it showed.

“We had a small team but her leadership was just as if we had a large team,” Daniels said. “She was a motivator especially over the summer. Most of the girls that ran with her, she was able to get them going early in July, get them out there every day. I think that’s what helped, her motivation out there pushing her.”

Wayss will take her talents to Stonehill College in the fall to continue her career. Daniels certainly didn’t lack confidence in one of his strongest performers this year as she takes on a new challenge.

“I think she’s going to do really well at Stonehill,” Daniels said. “Coming in as a freshman I think she’s going to have what she needs. I did a lot of training with her last year, but I think she will need other athletes in her age group that are going to push her, teach her new techniques.”

-J.M.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Mike Daniels, Pilgrim

ALL CITY TEAM

Sophia Maynard, TG

Bryana Mullin, Pilgrim

Maranda Duffie, Pilgrim

Katelyn Hawes, TG